Ken and Wilda Hopper started their business adventure together back on March 1, 2016, by opening up Bird's Eye Outfitters in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. They focused on outdoor gear and adventure.
They love, and respect, the outdoors so much that they wanted to make everyone aware of what the area has to offer.
Since then, they have continually adapted to change in what people wanted and what they felt the community needed.
They have taken on many outdoor projects including the Ashmun Creek trail system, the O.U.T. House consortium and creating a network of volunteers across the Eastern U.P.
As a result of their hard work and determination, they were honored Wednesday in Kalamazoo at the 2024 Pure Michigan's Governor's Conference on Tourism for their Story of Inspiration and the contribution they make to the area.
The Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau nominated them and the Hoppers were selected among the nominees from across the state.
They hope this recognition persuades others to get involved and better their community.
"It gives other people the opportunity, or hope, to do the things that they want to do to understand that it has an impact on the community, on people who are watching and that their story could inspire others," Wilda said.
"This is a humbling experience for the entire state of Michigan. It's a very unique and cool state with a lot of diverse businesses and intentions and for us to be selected, it was an honor," Ken said.
Since first opening Bird's Eye, the Hoppers have been determined to make the area a destination and not just a "drive through" to other cities.
"When you are working and keeping your passion and goals in front of you, it's awesome to know that other people are watching. We just kept doing what we were doing because we love the area. It is in our vision because there is so much to offer here," Wilda said.
While the Hoppers got the recognition at the conference, they knew they couldn't do it without help from other local organizations such as the CVB, but also from their own employees.
"Everybody here...it doesn't happen without their help. We share a lot of love with our employees. We consider them our family," Ken concluded.
